LONDON — An international consortium of scientists has published a
high-resolution draft of the barley genome in a move that could not
only improve yields and disease resistance but may also hold the key
to better beer.

"This research will streamline efforts to improve barley production
through breeding for improved varieties," said Professor Robbie Waugh,
of Scotland's James Hutton Institute, who led the research. "This
could be varieties better able to withstand pests and disease, deal
with adverse environmental conditions, or even provide grain better
suited for beer and brewing."

Barley which has been malted is a key ingredient in brewing beer along
with hops and yeast.

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The research, published in the journal Nature, could also be a boon
for the whiskey industry, while barley is also a major component of
animal feed for meat and dairy industries.

Barley is the world's fourth most important cereal crop, trailing only
maize, rice and wheat, and its genome is almost twice the size of the
human genome.

"It will accelerate research in barley, and its close relative,
wheat," Waugh said. "Armed with this information breeders and
scientists will be much better placed to deal with the challenge of
effectively addressing the food security agenda under the constraints
of a rapidly changing environment."

LONDON — An international consortium of scientists has published a
high-resolution draft of the barley genome in a move that could not
only improve yields and disease resistance but may also hold the key
to better beer.

"This research will streamline efforts to improve barley production
through breeding for improved varieties," said Professor Robbie Waugh,
of Scotland's James Hutton Institute, who led the research. "This
could be varieties better able to withstand pests and disease, deal
with adverse environmental conditions, or even provide grain better
suited for beer and brewing."

Barley which has been malted is a key ingredient in brewing beer along
with hops and yeast.

Science news from NBCNews.com

Carli Segelson / Fla. FWCC via AP Giant eyeball found — but whose is
it?
Science editor Alan Boyle's blog: A giant eyeball that washed ashore
and was found by a beachcomber in Pompano Beach, Fla., is mystifying
wildlife officials — but probably not for long.

Spot where Caesar was stabbed discovered
Dogs suffer PTSD-like stress after Japan disaster
Farmer finds Maya murals under plaster
.
.
The research, published in the journal Nature, could also be a boon
for the whiskey industry, while barley is also a major component of
animal feed for meat and dairy industries.

Barley is the world's fourth most important cereal crop, trailing only
maize, rice and wheat, and its genome is almost twice the size of the
human genome.

"It will accelerate research in barley, and its close relative,
wheat," Waugh said. "Armed with this information breeders and
scientists will be much better placed to deal with the challenge of
effectively addressing the food security agenda under the constraints
of a rapidly changing environment."